Hospice Care

Learn About Hospice Care

Home Hospice Care is a compassionate form of care aimed at providing comfort and support to patients and their families who have a terminal illness. The focus of Home Hospice Care is on the quality of life rather than curative treatments, ensuring the patient's comfort and dignity in their own home environment. This specialized care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals from hospice agencies, who work together to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their loved ones. Home Hospice Care includes pain management, symptom control, psychological support, and spiritual care, tailored to the patient's specific needs and wishes. This approach helps in creating a supportive and serene environment at home, where patients can spend their remaining time surrounded by their loved ones.

Hospice agencies play a crucial role in facilitating Home Hospice Care. These agencies employ a multidisciplinary team that typically includes physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, counselors, and trained volunteers. The team works collaboratively to develop a personalized care plan that addresses the unique needs of each patient. Hospice agencies also provide necessary medical supplies and comfort medications and equipment, assist with medication management, and offer guidance and support to family caregivers. By delivering comprehensive care directly in the patient's home, hospice agencies help in reducing the burden on family members and ensure that the patient receives professional, compassionate care in the comfort of their own home.

The services offered by Home Hospice Care extend beyond the physical care of the patient. Hospice agencies, like iCare, offer emotional and spiritual support not only to the patient but also to their family members and caregivers. This holistic approach helps in coping with the challenges of end-of-life care and bereavement. Home Hospice Care also includes education for family members about what to expect in the final stages of life and how to provide care for their loved one. This support continues even after the patient's passing, as many hospice agencies offer grief counseling and bereavement support groups. Overall, Home Hospice Care provides a compassionate, patient-centered approach to end-of-life care, emphasizing comfort, dignity, and emotional support.

iCare & Hospice

At iCare, we offer Home Hospice Services tailored to individuals grappling with terminal conditions such as heart failure, chronic pulmonary or renal diseases, cancer, Alzheimer's, and more, who are undergoing a decline in health. Our specialized team of professionals focuses on delivering compassionate care primarily within the patient's own residence, with the flexibility to extend services to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or extended care settings.

The iCare Home Hospice team, comprising dedicated nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, physicians, and volunteers, conducts regular visits to ensure comprehensive care for the patient. We take pride in covering all necessary equipment essential for hospice clients, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen supplies, walkers, bedside commodes, and briefs. Additionally, iCare Home Hospice Care assumes responsibility for all medications related to symptom management and comfort, delivering them directly to the patient's home.

In our unwavering commitment to supporting caregivers, the iCare Home Hospice program incorporates a respite option. This feature allows for a facility stay of up to five days, offering caregivers essential relief. For patients experiencing acute or unmanageable symptoms at home necessitating continuous nursing care, iCare Home Hospice Care also extends coverage for stays in skilled facilities until symptom stabilization. At iCare, we strive to provide holistic and compassionate support throughout the hospice journey.

iCare Hospice Services

Here's the list of services provided by iCare, a home hospice agency, tailored to offer comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families:

1. iCare Medical Care and Pain Management: This service focuses on alleviating symptoms and managing pain to ensure the patient's comfort. It includes administering medications and monitoring vital signs.

2. iCare Nursing Services: Registered nurses or licensed practical nurses from iCare visit the home to provide medical care and assist with managing the patient's condition.

3. iCare Physician Services: Regular visits and consultations by iCare physicians oversee the hospice care plan and make necessary adjustments.

4. iCare Pharmaceutical Services: Providing essential medications related to the hospice diagnosis and symptom control.

5. iCare Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: These therapists help patients maintain independence and functionality, focusing on quality of life.

6. iCare Emotional and Spiritual Support: Counselors, social workers, or chaplains offer support to patients and families, helping them cope with emotional aspects of terminal illness.

7. iCare Bereavement Support: Grief counseling and support groups for family members during the patient's illness and after their passing.

8. iCare Respite Care: Provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, including short-term inpatient care if needed.

9. iCare Assistance with Daily Living Activities: Help with activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

10. iCare Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on nutrition to help manage symptoms and maintain strength.

11. iCare Equipment and Supplies: Provision of medical equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen, and other necessary supplies.

12. iCare Family Counseling and Support: Guidance and support for family members on how to care for the patient and cope with emotional challenges.

13. iCare Volunteer Services: Trained volunteers provide companionship, help with errands, and offer a break for caregivers.

14. iCare Case Management: Coordination of care and services between different providers and caregivers.

15. iCare 24/7 On-Call Availability: Team members available around the clock to answer questions, provide advice, or make emergency visits if needed.

iCare's services are designed to be comprehensive and compassionate, focusing on the quality of life and respecting each patient's individual wishes.

Hospice Care FAQ's

When considering home hospice care, individuals and families often have many questions regarding the services, processes, and what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions that people might have for a home hospice care agency:

1. What exactly is hospice care? Hospice care is a type of end-of-life care focused on providing comfort, pain relief, and emotional support to terminally ill patients, typically when curative treatment is no longer an option. It aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families during the final stages of illness.

2. When is it time to consider hospice care? It is time to consider hospice care when a patient has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, and when the focus shifts from curative treatment to comfort and quality of life. This decision is often made in consultation with healthcare providers, patients, and their families.

3. What services are included in hospice care? Hospice care services generally include pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, assistance with daily activities, medical equipment and supplies, respite care for family caregivers, and bereavement support for loved ones.

4. How is pain and symptom management handled in hospice care? In hospice care, pain and symptom management are handled through a personalized care plan that may include medications, therapies, and alternative treatments to alleviate pain and other distressing symptoms. The goal is to ensure the patient's comfort and maintain the best possible quality of life.

5. Is hospice care covered by insurance/Medicare/Medicaid? Yes, hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Coverage usually includes medical services, medications, equipment, and support services related to the terminal illness.

6. Can hospice care be provided at home? Yes, hospice care can be provided at home, allowing patients to receive end-of-life care in a familiar and comfortable environment. This home-based care is supported by a team of healthcare professionals who make regular visits and are available for emergencies.

7. How does hospice care address emotional and spiritual needs? Hospice care addresses emotional and spiritual needs by providing counseling, support groups, and pastoral care. This support is offered to both patients and their families to help them cope with the emotional and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care.

8. What role do family members play in hospice care? Family members play a crucial role in hospice care by providing day-to-day support, participating in care planning, and offering emotional comfort to the patient. Hospice teams also provide education, resources, and respite care to help family members manage their caregiving responsibilities.

9. How often will hospice staff visit? The frequency of hospice staff visits depends on the patient's needs and condition. Typically, a nurse will visit several times a week, while aides, social workers, and other team members may visit as needed. The hospice team is also available 24/7 for emergencies and support.

10. Can a patient be discharged from hospice care? Yes, a patient can be discharged from hospice care if their condition improves or if they choose to pursue curative treatment again. Discharge can occur if the patient no longer meets the criteria for hospice care, such as having a prognosis of six months or less to live.

11. What kind of support is available for family members and caregivers? Support for family members and caregivers in hospice care includes respite care, counseling, support groups, and educational resources. Hospice teams provide emotional support, help with caregiving tasks, and offer bereavement services to assist families after the patient's passing.

12. How is the hospice care plan developed and modified? The hospice care plan is developed collaboratively by the hospice team, the patient, and their family, based on the patient's medical condition, preferences, and needs. It is regularly reviewed and modified as needed to address changes in the patient's condition, symptoms, and goals of care.

13. What happens in the event of a crisis or emergency? In the event of a crisis or emergency, hospice care provides 24/7 support, with on-call nurses and other healthcare professionals ready to respond. They can make emergency visits, adjust medications, and offer guidance to manage the situation and ensure the patient's comfort and stability.

14. What bereavement services are offered after the patient passes away? After a patient passes away, hospice care offers bereavement services to support family members and caregivers. These services include grief counseling, support groups, memorial services, and resources to help them cope with the loss and navigate the grieving process. Bereavement support is typically available for at least a year following the patient's death.

15. How does hospice work with the patient’s existing doctors and specialists? Hospice care works collaboratively with the patient’s existing doctors and specialists by coordinating care and sharing information to ensure a seamless transition. The hospice team consults with these healthcare providers to develop and adjust the care plan, ensuring that it aligns with the patient's overall medical needs and preferences.

These questions help in gaining a comprehensive understanding of what hospice care entails and how it can support both the patient and their family during a critical phase of life.